Is Columbus, OH cheaper than San Jose, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 55.2% cheaper than San Jose, CA. This translates to saving $4142 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in San Jose, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in San Jose, CA, you'd need approximately $100,298.507 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between San Jose, CA and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 78.8% cheaper than in San Jose, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $3,445/month in San Jose, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from San Jose, CA to Columbus, OH?

Moving from San Jose, CA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $4142 per month, or $49701 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Jose, CA

Tap to swap

Columbus, OH

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Jose, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $4.1K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $100.3K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 55.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,142

Savings

Annual Impact

$49.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

San Jose, CA

Population:1013K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.35M

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:45

Median Home:$263K

San Jose, CA

The Golden State

1.0M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 1.0M residents.

Columbus, OH

The Buckeye State

906K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: San Jose, CA vs Columbus, OH

Category	San Jose, CA	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,667/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $7,614less	78.8%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $268less	14.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,129/mo	$969/mo	↓ $160less	14.2%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$607/mo	↓ $99.13less	14.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $40.98less	2.9%
⚡All Utilities	$464/mo	$464/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 78.8%

San Jose, CA

$9,667

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$7,614

less

📦Other

↓ 14.7%

San Jose, CA

$1,825

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$268

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 14.2%

San Jose, CA

$1,129

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$160

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.0%

San Jose, CA

$706

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$99.13

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 2.9%

San Jose, CA

$1,407

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$40.98

less

⚡All Utilities

→ 0.0%

San Jose, CA

$464

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Columbus, OH: Columbus Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

San Jose, CA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,590

To$1,020

↓ $1,570

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,100

↓ $1,850

2 Bed

From$3,445

To$1,315

↓ $2,130

3 Bed

From$4,550

To$1,575

↓ $2,975

San Jose, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,190–$4,060/mo

Columbus, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,790/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$15,199

Monthly in San Jose, CA

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$8,182

Difference

Home Values

San Jose

Columbus

$1.35M

Median Value

$263K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$671K - $2.59M

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 81% less expensive than San Jose

Calculate payment - San Jose Calculate payment - Columbus

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $6.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$517

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.1%

Rate difference

San Jose, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Columbus, OH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Ohio State Tax

Effective: 3.0%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.6%

$41.4K

Take-Home Pay

$9,047/month

$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

San Jose, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Columbus, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:1.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.